Premium Iceland
Trip Code: BIPK
Why we love it
Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss – Iceland's largest waterfall – and the hot springs of the Sky Lagoon., Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board a carbon-neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide., Stay in the stylish Fosshotel for your Feature Stay, offering up priceless views of the surrounding landscape and an excellent on-site restaurant that uses fresh Icelandic produce., Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during an Exclusive Experience., From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Is this trip right for me?
Iceland can be very cold at any time of year, so it's important to bring appropriate clothing. On the rare occasion that your leader has to alter the itinerary due to adverse weather, alternative activities will be offered.
Many locations on this itinerary are remote, which means a few long drives of around 6 hours. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. Of course, you will stop frequently for photo opportunities.
Important information
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3.Due to the volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon has been evacuated and shut down on several occasions. Therefore, we will instead visit the Sky Lagoon, an oceanside spa outside of Reykjavik.
What to bring/pack
PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, CLIMATE
The Icelandic climate is very unpredictable the whole year round. We recommend bringing sturdy shoes with a good grip for trekking, a warm wind and rainproof jacket and trousers, gloves or mittens, good head wear and sunglasses.
WHITE NIGHTS
The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper.
THERMAL BATHS
Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and a spare towel if you’d like to experience Iceland's famous thermal baths., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.
Physical rating
This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.
Joining your group
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Adalstræti 16, Reykjavík, Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, ICELAND, Phone: +385 5146000
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is set on one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets, Adalstraeti, 200 metres from Reykjavik Art Museum. All rooms feature modern décor, fresh bathrooms and wooden floors.Traditional Icelandic dishes and an extensive wine list are offered at Fjalaköttur, Reykjavik Centrum’s award-winning restaurant. The hotel was built above the ruins of a Viking-era longhouse.
Alternate Joining Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
03 May 2025 (BIPK250503)
24 May 2025 (BIPK250524)
02 Jun 2025 (BIPK250602)
07 Jun 2025 (BIPK250607)
12 Jun 2025 (BIPK250612)
16 Jun 2025 (BIPK250616)
21 Jun 2025 (BIPK250621)
26 Jun 2025 (BIPK250626)
03 Jul 2025 (BIPK250703)
07 Jul 2025 (BIPK250707)
12 Jul 2025 (BIPK250712)
17 Jul 2025 (BIPK250717)
21 Jul 2025 (BIPK250721)
27 Jul 2025 (BIPK250727)
31 Jul 2025 (BIPK250731)
02 Aug 2025 (BIPK250802)
06 Aug 2025 (BIPK250806)
11 Aug 2025 (BIPK250811)
16 Aug 2025 (BIPK250816)
21 Aug 2025 (BIPK250821)
25 Aug 2025 (BIPK250825)
30 Aug 2025 (BIPK250830)
06 Sep 2025 (BIPK250906)
11 Sep 2025 (BIPK250911)
20 Sep 2025 (BIPK250920)
25 Sep 2025 (BIPK250925)
29 Sep 2025 (BIPK250929)
Hotel Reykjavik Saga
Lækjargata 12
101
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Phone: +35 4 514 5000
Joining instructions
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid.
If you have advised your flight arrival details, upon landing at Keflavik Airport please make your way to the Arrivals hall. Your transfer driver will be waiting for you on the left side when you exit the customs area, holding a board with your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, or if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on +354 7903838 or +354 7923838. You can also call our emergency line directly: +49 8024 4679 540.
If you are making your own way to the starting point hotel, Gray Line and Flybus services are available to take you to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. From there you can change to a hotel shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes to the starting point hotel.
Taxis are available and the fare is approximately ISK21,000.
Finishing your trip
Hotel Alda Icelandir, Laugavegur 66-68, 101 Reykjavík, Reykjavik, ICELAND
Hotel Alda is located on Laugavegur shopping street in central Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja Church is a 5-minute walk away. Reykjavik Art Museum is a 10-minute walk away. Guests enjoy free access to Alda Hotel’s gym, sauna and outdoor hot tub. Bicycles can be rented on site. Guests can also have a drink at the hotel bar.
Alternate Finish Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
03 May 2025 (BIPK250503)
24 May 2025 (BIPK250524)
02 Jun 2025 (BIPK250602)
07 Jun 2025 (BIPK250607)
12 Jun 2025 (BIPK250612)
16 Jun 2025 (BIPK250616)
21 Jun 2025 (BIPK250621)
26 Jun 2025 (BIPK250626)
03 Jul 2025 (BIPK250703)
07 Jul 2025 (BIPK250707)
12 Jul 2025 (BIPK250712)
17 Jul 2025 (BIPK250717)
21 Jul 2025 (BIPK250721)
27 Jul 2025 (BIPK250727)
31 Jul 2025 (BIPK250731)
02 Aug 2025 (BIPK250802)
06 Aug 2025 (BIPK250806)
11 Aug 2025 (BIPK250811)
16 Aug 2025 (BIPK250816)
21 Aug 2025 (BIPK250821)
25 Aug 2025 (BIPK250825)
30 Aug 2025 (BIPK250830)
06 Sep 2025 (BIPK250906)
11 Sep 2025 (BIPK250911)
20 Sep 2025 (BIPK250920)
25 Sep 2025 (BIPK250925)
29 Sep 2025 (BIPK250929)
Hotel Reykjavik Saga
Lækjargata 12
101
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Phone: +35 4 514 5000
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a private departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.
If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.
Alternatively, please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or taking a shuttle bus to the airport.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 8
Lunches included:
Dinners included: 5
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.
Climate & seasonal information
Iceland can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the summer season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Intrepid’s Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540
Accommodations
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Transportation
On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. Please note that there are some long travel days and some rough stretches on gravelly and windy roads. On some days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time. All our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.